Under Threat

A Hurricane Is Out There, Heading Your Way. A

Watch Has Been Issued. It's Crunch Time.

There doesn't seem to be enough time to do all the chores you have to do. And it may only get worse. A hurricane watch could become a hurricane warning within hours.

If you prepared in advance, your job is going to be a lot easier. Those plans - especially those for people with disabilities or serious illnesses - should be put into action. Now.

A hurricane watch activates emergency officials from the federal, state, county and city governments. It should get you going, too.

A hurricane watch doesn't guarantee you will get hit by a hurricane, but the probability is getting uncomfortably high.

Your chances of getting walloped are about one in four if you live along the edges of the watch area; one in three if you are in the center of the watch area. You probably have 24 to 36 hours before the storm hits.

Monitor the storm by television, radio or weather radio.

In Broward, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio broadcasts at 162.550 MHz; in Palm Beach County, at 162.475 MHz.

If a hurricane watch becomes a hurricane warning, you are most likely going to feel a storm within 18 to 24 hours. It may be a direct hit or a glancing blow.

If you are going to a shelter, wait for radio or TV announcements that the shelters are open. If you're staying home, finish all your indoor and outdoor preparations right away and then hunker down.